BHUTAN Surrounded by mighty, snow-capped mountains, Bhutan has reveled in an unusual sense of seclusion, forging an anachronistic yet visionary path to modernity. Known for measuring progress in Gross National Happiness (instead of GDP) and for constitutionally guaranteeing environmental protection, Bhutan is a fascinating and very relevant contemporary nation. • WALK AMONG REMOTE, CENTURIES OLD MONASTERIES
• HIKE UP TO TIGER'S NEST MONASTERY
• ATTEND A TSECHU (FESTIVAL) CELEBRATION, A RIOT
• VISIT THIMPHU'S ROYAL ACADEMY OF DANCE
OF SWIRLING INCENSE, STREAMING COSTUMES AND SACRED RITES
• GAZE INTO MYSTICAL WATERS OF MEMBARTSHO ("BURNING LAKE")
HIMALAYAS By linking together your visits to the ancient nations of Bhutan, Nepal and Tibet, one can begin to grasp the scope and enduring power of Himalayan culture and spirituality. Born from harsh climatic conditions, these tenacious alpine countries exhibit the strength of humanity to create profound beauty in even the most unlikely of places. • GAIN AN UNDERSTANDING OF HIMALAYAN BUDDHISM
• HIKE AMID SOARING MOUNTAIN PEAKS
• VISIT REMOTE, UNIQUE MONASTERIES
• SIP TEA WITH NOMADIC HERDERS, MONKS AND
• VISIT THE DAY-TO-DAY LIFE IN LOCAL VILLAGES
CITY-DWELLERS
NEPAL Dotted with the world’s highest mountains, blanketed with lush lowland jungle and home to some of Asia’s most exotic wildlife, it is easy to understand why Nepal remains one of the world’s greatest adventure travel destinations. But cultural enthusiasts need not worry—Nepal is also a repository of stunning cultural wealth, exhibitive of a sweeping range of historic and artistic achievements. • WANDER KATHMANDU
• HIKE TO NAGARKOT
• SPOT WILD BENGAL TIGERS, RHINOS AND LEOPARDS
• TREK THE BASE OF SAGARMĀTHĀ (NEPALI NAME FOR
• VISIT UNESCO SITES
MT. EVEREST)
• CRUISE LAKE PHEWA
TIBET Replete with ridgetop monasteries, snow-capped Himalayan peaks and stunning, expansive, blue skies, Tibet’s untamed beauty must be seen to be believed. The devoted Tibetan people who make their life here, despite the harsh landscape and unfavorable political climate, are eager to share their deep spirituality and ancient rituals with intrepid travelers. • EXPLORE LHASA
• SEEK VISTAS OF QOMOLANGMA (TIBETAN FOR MT. EVEREST)
• ESCAPE TO THE DALAI LAMA'S FORMER RESIDENCE
• IMMERSE IN REMOTE TSANG PROVINCE
20/20 CATALOG
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